Bilingual/Bicultural Studies

Curriculum

A minimum of thirty-three (33) credits is required for the degree. All courses are three (3) credits each.

Depending on the student’s linguistic skills in Spanish, candidates will be classified as “Advanced Language,” “Intermediate Language Proficient,”or “Not Advanced Language.” Classification of a student will depend on past academic background and other linguistic life experiences. The student’s classification will also be subject to the judgment of the Director of the program, and an assessment interview is required to determine initial linguistic skills. This assessment may be conducted by the graduate academic advisor or the director or both.

The curriculum for each of these three (3) classifications will consist of the following courses:

Advanced Language Students:

Core Requirements

BLS 508 Workshops and Symposia

BLS 511 Language and Culture of Puerto Rico I

BLS 512 Language and Culture of Puerto Rico II

BLS 520 Field Experience in the Latino Community

BLS 600 Dynamics of Cross-Cultural Communication

BLS 639 Advanced Spanish Grammar and Syntax

BLS 651 Master’s Project

Any Caribbean Liturature Course

Elective Requirements

Any three courses, nine (9) credits offered by any of the programs within The Hispanic Institute, subject to each program’s prerequisites

For students beginning with BLS 502:any two courses offered within The Hispanic Institute, subject to each program’s prerequisites (6 credits)

For students beginning with BLS 503: any three courses offered within The Hispanic Institute, subject to each program’s prerequisites (9 credits)

Not Advanced Language Students:

Core Requirements

BLS 501 Urban Spanish 1

BLS 502 Urban Spanish 2

BLS 503 Urban Spanish 3

BLS 504 Urban Spanish 4

BLS 505 Urban Spanish 5

BLS 508 Workshops and Symposia

BLS 511 Language and Culture of Puerto Rico I

BLS 520 Field Experience in the Latino Community

BLS 600 Dynamics of Cross-Cultural Communication

BLS 651 Master’s Project

Elective Requirements

Any one course offered within The Hispanic Institute (Note: If a course is waived with permission of the Director, an elective course is added since candidates must complete 33 credits to earn the M.A. in Bilingual Bicultural Studies degree.)